OBJECTIVEEvaluation of two different methods of treatment of distal tibial fractures of the clinical indications, complications and efficacy.

METHODSForty-five cases of closed distal tibial fractures were assigned to two groups, 25 cases in group A included 18 males and 7 females, according to the AO/ASIF classification: 4 cases of type A, 14 cases of B, 7 cases of C, open reduction and anatomic plate fixation were used. Twenty cases in group B included 12 males and 8 females, 5 of type A, 9 of B, 6 of C, minimally invasive percutaneous locking compression plate osteosynthesis were used. Observed on the postoperative pain, skin necrosis of the incision, the incidence of deep infection and other complications, as well as the healing of fractures, ankle motor function for comparative study.

RESULTSAll patients were followed up 10 to 15 months, according to the visual analogue scale (VAS) score, group A were moderate to severe in, group B were mild to moderate between. Bone healing time: group A averaged (16.0+/-4.2) weeks, group B averaged (13.0+/-3.2) weeks, the difference was significant (P<0.01). Postoperative complications of group A was more than that of group B (P<0.05), there were significant differences. Ankle function in accordance with the assessment criteria Kofoed, the good and excellent rate of group B was higher than that of group A (P<0.05), there were significant differences.

CONCLUSIONMinimally invasive percutaneous locking compression plate osteosynthesis compared open reduction and anatomic plate fixation for distal tibial fractures with less trauma surgery, bone blood supply to the affected small, fracture healing faster, less complications, and ankle function better advantage of. It is consistent with the biomechanics of internal fixation, and is the treatment of tibial fractures ideal method.